Page 24 of His Choice

“Shh,” he ordered. “Snap out of it.”

I chuckled. “Okay, Cher.”

“Huh?”

“You were supposed to slap me across the face when you say it,” I explained, even though I was sure he missed the Moonstruck reference. Aaron was straight, after all.

“I considered it,” he whispered. “Get a grip.”

I scanned the room, but nobody seemed to be paying attention to us. They were too enthralled with what was happening, eyes glued on the host.

“Just be yourselves and ignore the cameras and microphones,” Emilio instructed. “Cliff will be making the rounds to talk with each of you some more.”

The pain in my chest and head increased. I didn’t understand what was pleasant about getting drunk.

“Maybe you should go to our room and lie down. I can tell Cliff you aren’t feeling well,” Aaron suggested.

Before I could respond, the man of the hour appeared, crew and camera equipment in tow. He was a little blurry, yet still so handsome.

“You’re like a fairy-tale prince,” I uttered, then belched. Just as obnoxiously as when Aaron would do it to taunt me. It was as if the noise was played in slow motion and at the highest volume. Even though I was fast becoming incapacitated, it wasn’t lost on me that I should be mortified. I was always the polite one who tried to suppress a burp into my fist. I put my fingers over my lips, as if I could still prevent the offensive sound. “Excuse me. Must have been too many bubbles.”

Cliff raised an eyebrow, appearing confused though slightly amused. “Are you enjoying your evening?”

I shook my head, touching my chest. “Reflux. I don’t drink.”

“He really doesn’t,” Aaron jumped in. “Mikey just had a…few…because he’s nervous and shy.”

Cliff leaned toward me, then winked. “I’m a little nervous, too…and shyer than most people believe.”

“See? You already share traits with each other,” Aaron said, smiling at Cliff. “If you’re one of the sweetest guys on the planet, then you’ll have another thing in common with Mikey.”

Cliff glanced Aaron’s way before chuckling. “Aren’t you supposed to be competing?”

Aaron shrugged. “Just being honest.”

Cliff touched Aaron’s shoulder. “You’re being gracious and a good friend.”

Even when he tried to elevate me with others, Aaron always came off as the better of the two of us. “He is,” I agreed. “I’m sorry, Mr…Cliff. I didn’t…mean to be rude.” The words came out stilted and odd sounding to me.

“It’s fine…” Cliff began.

“Mikey,” Aaron finished for him.

“Yes, Mikey,” Cliff said with a nod. So much for Aaron’s belief that I had made a lasting first impression. I was sure the second one would be.

“I’m sorry,” I repeated, not that anyone paid attention. “I’m not feeling too well.”

James appeared by Cliff’s side. “James, would you escort Mikey to his room? He’s feeling a little under the weather.”

“Of course, Cliff,” James replied, casting a sympathetic glance my way.

“I’ll take him,” Aaron cut in, putting an arm around me.

Cliff held up a hand. “I promise, Mikey will be in good hands. If you don’t mind, I’d love for you to stay so we can become better acquainted.”

* * * *

Even in my worst nightmares, I hadn’t thought things would go as badly as they had. I would have yelled at myself that I was an idiot, but my head hurt too much, and James was by my side.